Friends of UCT Cortex Club

The following scientists came together i.e.Viv Russell, Frans Taljaard, Felix Potocnik, Santy Daya, Abraham Aucamp, O Muller and James Temlett to start the SA Neursocience Group in 1988. This group of neuroscientists contributed significantly to the growth of neuroscience in our country to such an extent that it became a society with a membership in excess of 100. Later SANS became affiliated to SONA (The Society for Neuroscientists of Africa), thereby being linked to IBRO (The International Brain Research Organisation). This growth was possible because of the dedication and hard work of the above-mentioned persons and also the generous sponsorship enjoyed from Bristol-Myers-Squibb (represented by Quinton Oswald and Ben Allman). After the withdrawal of their financial assistance, SANS went through a difficult period, but is starting to regain its momentum.

SONA is a non-profit organization registered in Nairobi, Kenya and functions as the umbrella organization for the regional and national neuroscience societies and groups in Africa. The society's mandate is to promote research and teaching in neuroscience in Africa.As part of its activities, SONA publishes a newsletter twice a year and holds an international conference every two years.

IBRO is a union of neuroscience organizations with the aim to promote and support neuroscience training and collaborative research around the world. More than 80 international, national and regional scientific organizations constitute IBRO's Governing Council, which together with the five IBRO Regional Committees launch the educational programs that reach young neuroscientists in need of support and assistance. In addition, IBRO has partnerships with like-minded federations of scientific societies to identify priorities and help bridge gaps in knowledge, investment and resources in the field of the brain and related diseases, from development to aging.